Amid the escalating impacts of climate change and the urgent need to empower youth in building resilience, LWF participated in a Youth Café organized by The Leo Project. The event brought together a distinguished panel including Dr. Catherine Machungo from Natural State, Njoki, an Organizational Psychologist from Kazi Mind Wellness, Wambui from the Kenya Red Cross, and James Njihia from LWF.
One of the key topics discussed was climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety—a growing fear or worry about the future due to the effects of climate change. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change is the greatest threat to humanity. Globally, we are witnessing an increase in heatwaves, wildfires, and devastating floods. In Kenya, the recent prolonged drought severely impacted families with food shortages, while in Northern Kenya, wildlife mortality soared due to lack of pasture and water. As the effects of climate change intensify, understanding and engaging the youth in combatting and adapting to these impacts is crucial.
The Leo Project has been at the forefront in creating climate-resilient communities, particularly through youth-focused training on climate adaptation. “The psychological impact of climate anxiety, heightened by emotional and mental distress in response to alarming changes in climate, remains largely unaddressed,” remarked Njoki from Kazi Mind Wellness.
In Laikipia, both floods and droughts have devastated communities, with some of the most extreme cases leading to malnutrition and death. As populations grow, the demand for land for agriculture and settlement increases, intensifying human-wildlife conflict in shared habitats. James from LWF emphasized the need to address climate anxiety at the grassroots level, using sustainable approaches. Initiatives that empower communities to adapt to climate crises, such as LWF’s youth-led tree-growing activities in riparian and degraded areas, help mitigate floods and increase forest cover. Through eco-schooling outreach, LWF also mentors younger generations, preparing them to remain vigilant in the face of climate change.
Youths actively engage the panelists with questions at The Leo Project space
Wambui from the Kenya Red Cross spoke on disaster preparedness, particularly concerning climate-related disasters such as floods and landslides. She highlighted the importance of early warning systems and the need for communities to be cautious and prepared to avoid loss of life and trauma. Wambui also called on the youth to step up by developing innovative solutions and adaptation strategies.
Dr. Catherine explored the emerging carbon credits market, an innovative model aimed at offsetting carbon emissions while improving community livelihoods. She explained how carbon markets work to reduce atmospheric carbon through sequestration by trees and soil, and how Natural State has linked community groups to companies involved in carbon markets. However, she pointed out the gap in youth involvement in carbon credits, stressing the need for public literacy on the topic.
The forum highlighted the importance of engaging youth in the fight against climate change and addressing climate anxiety. ‘Reversing the damage caused by climate change requires an intergenerational commitment. To succeed, we must prepare and empower the younger generation to take action. We remain committed to supporting the youth in championing sustainable solutions for a resilient future.’ Concluded the panelists.
Photo Credits: Kelvin Maina
